This is outcome of CDH Nepal 2019 workshop held in Kathmandu from June 13 to 30 organized by SAFAR and CASSA jointly with USEF and instructed jointly by Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Writing at University of Florida Dr Laura Gonzales and PhD Scholar at University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) Bibhushana Poudyal.
In this page/site I am sharing my initial concept of Digital Humanities Project “SAGARMATHA (Everest) In Tears” . I would like to welcome other DH volunteers/scholars to join the team by emailing me at dipak.inspire@gmail.com
Background
A book published by the ministry of culture, tourism and civil aviation of Nepal in 2014 listed the World Records on Mt. Sagarmatha (Everest). The first record lists that 7 Sherpa climbers died in an avalanche, becoming the first reported deaths on Mt. Everest in the year 1922 (pg. 4).
But what do they mean when they report the death of 7 Sherpa climbers ? Aren’t you overwhelmed by this statement ? Isn’t there something missing from this sorts of listing ?
I am very much despondent by the sorts of representations of Sherpa climbers, particularly in the technical documents where very minimal information on the existence of these human beings are provided. The work of Sherpa climbers, who helped other climber’s to climb the mountain, disappear from these climber’s memory when their success story is told/ or being told to the world.
Death, and disabilities – permanent or partial – are common to Sherpa climbers who served many other climbers in the Himalayas. The ignorance on humanely treatment erupted on the ground/or belief that Sherpas are by granted working/supporting staffs in the precarious locations and any casualty is a work-place casualty.
The police or military personnel also die in the work place or during their service. Yet, their valorized stories are often written and memorialized. They are honored and remembered by many. People from the margins – like Sherpa people – are often forgotten and ignored.
Is it only work site casualty for these Sherpas? Are Sherpas only numbers in the history of climbing mountains in the Himalayas? Are they objects to be used during the summit attempt of many climbers and to be forgotten once the job is done/ summit is accomplished ?
My Project Concept
I would like to rethink this notion and re-write the history of Sherpas from the perspective of humanity bringing forth a sense of humanity that is often missing from public record. “SAGARMATHA (EVEREST) IN TEARS” is, then, a digital project which will illustrate the lives and legacies of Sherpa climbers.
I am trying to make a point through this digital space that Sherpa climbers must be represented properly. Their history should be written with dignity and respect. Their sacrifice of life in the mountains should be recorded properly for the future generation.
On my site, I will present all Sherpa summiteers of 8ooo meter peaks of the world. But, will record all the deaths and disabilities from all other mountains.
In the second section I will present the deaths of Sherpa climbers with description on their family, employing leader, employing company, reason of death, and after death consequences.
Similarly, in the third section I will collect those Sherpas who sacrifice parts of their body like eyes, hands, legs and others for the sake of other climbers’ interest. This section also showcases the data and description on the same basis as in section two.
Structure of the Site
Structure of my site/work will look something like this:
Name of Sherpa
Year of Climbing/ Disaster happened
What happened and How
(Death or Disability suffered – permanent; partial; eye/hands/legs etc)
The leader of the team
International and Domestic Company as employer
Family members
Consequences of the Death/Disability
Burdens after the incident
How family coped/coping with trauma/situation